Zimbabwe orders foreign businesses in certain sectors to cede control to locals within three years
Zimbabwe has unveiled new regulations that require foreign-owned firms operating in specific sectors to transfer the majority of ownership to local citizens within a three-year window. Starting in December 2025, affected enterprises must appoint Zimbabweans to hold 75% of the control or face shutdown or exit from the country by 2028.
The rules predominantly target small, everyday businesses—such as beauty salons, bakeries, transport providers, retail outlets, and artisanal mining—that will now be reserved for local ownership. However, large foreign investors can continue to operate if they meet two conditions: substantial financial investment and employment of more than 100 Zimbabweans.
Sectors like banking and large-scale mining are exempt from the ownership transfer requirements and remain open to foreign participation. The government argues the policy is meant to empower ordinary Zimbabweans, but critics warn it could deter investment.
Source: DW Africa
